Preschool teacher salary
BLS occupation: Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education · Education and libraries · data for May 2025
Median salary $38,140 a year, US
Median hourly pay $18.34 an hour
Middle half earn $34,530–$47,550 25th to 75th percentile
Preschool teachers employed 478,780 +4.5% projected by 2035
How much does a preschool teacher make?
- The median preschool teacher salary in the US is $38,140 a year ($18.34 an hour): half of the 478,780 preschool teachers BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $43,030.
- The middle half earn between $34,530 and $47,550. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $28,990 and the top 10% more than $61,390.
- That is 25% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays preschool teachers the most (median $62,150), followed by Vermont ($49,730) and Hawaii ($48,780). Alabama pays the least ($28,310).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia, where the median is worth $56,551 in typical US prices, then Kansas and Nebraska.
- In 3 of the 373 metro areas with data, the median preschool teacher salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of preschool teachers to grow 4.5% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 66,700 openings a year. The typical entry education is an associate's degree.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what preschool teachers are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Preschool teacher salary range
Half of preschool teachers earn between $34,530 and $47,550 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $28,990
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $34,530
Median Yearly pay: $38,140
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $47,550
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $61,390
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $28,990 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $34,530 |
| Median | $38,140 |
| Top 25% earn over | $47,550 |
| Top 10% earn over | $61,390 |
Preschool teacher salary by state
The District of Columbia pays preschool teachers the most; Alabama the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($38,140), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $62,150 median |
| Vermont | $49,730 median |
| Hawaii | $48,780 median |
| New Jersey | $48,220 median |
| Kansas | $47,750 median |
| California | $47,400 median |
| Nebraska | $47,040 median |
| New York | $46,520 median |
| Alaska | $46,130 median |
| Massachusetts | $45,890 median |
| Connecticut | $45,740 median |
| Washington | $45,660 median |
| Colorado | $45,500 median |
| Oregon | $45,140 median |
| Maryland | $44,600 median |
| South Dakota | $44,500 median |
| New Mexico | $44,070 median |
| Georgia | $43,920 median |
| Maine | $43,890 median |
| Minnesota | $43,430 median |
| Illinois | $40,910 median |
| North Dakota | $39,720 median |
| New Hampshire | $39,350 median |
| Nevada | $38,870 median |
| Louisiana | $38,020 median |
| Virginia | $37,140 median |
| Michigan | $37,110 median |
| Rhode Island | $36,830 median |
| Indiana | $36,650 median |
| Montana | $36,540 median |
| Delaware | $36,360 median |
| Arizona | $36,300 median |
| Mississippi | $36,250 median |
| Wisconsin | $36,160 median |
| Missouri | $36,090 median |
| Pennsylvania | $36,050 median |
| Florida | $35,860 median |
| North Carolina | $35,710 median |
| Ohio | $35,180 median |
| Utah | $35,010 median |
| South Carolina | $34,500 median |
| Tennessee | $34,280 median |
| Arkansas | $34,190 median |
| Texas | $33,860 median |
| Iowa | $33,830 median |
| Idaho | $32,800 median |
| West Virginia | $32,480 median |
| Oklahoma | $31,790 median |
| Wyoming | $29,930 median |
| Kentucky | $29,780 median |
| Alabama | $28,310 median |
Where preschool teacher pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Preschool teachers' pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $56,551 |
| Kansas | $53,015 |
| Nebraska | $52,207 |
| Vermont | $50,767 |
| South Dakota | $50,234 |
| New Mexico | $47,792 |
| Georgia | $45,611 |
| Maine | $45,224 |
| Alaska | $45,067 |
| North Dakota | $44,650 |
Preschool teacher pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $62,150 | $29.88 | $40,240 | $108,270 | 2,350 | $56,551 |
| Vermont | $49,730 | $23.91 | $36,650 | $66,020 | 940 | $50,767 |
| Hawaii | $48,780 | $23.45 | $37,160 | $64,110 | 1,410 | $44,365 |
| New Jersey | $48,220 | $23.18 | $37,020 | $86,910 | 16,190 | $44,318 |
| Kansas | $47,750 | $22.96 | $27,850 | $61,790 | 1,330 | $53,015 |
| California | $47,400 | $22.79 | $37,870 | $65,350 | 55,700 | $42,811 |
| Nebraska | $47,040 | $22.62 | $31,620 | $73,620 | 1,630 | $52,207 |
| New York | $46,520 | $22.37 | $36,050 | $75,660 | 23,870 | $43,106 |
| Alaska | $46,130 | $22.18 | $35,090 | $76,950 | 520 | $45,067 |
| Massachusetts | $45,890 | $22.06 | $35,890 | $60,440 | 18,710 | $43,392 |
| Connecticut | $45,740 | $21.99 | $35,460 | $80,400 | 5,230 | $44,146 |
| Washington | $45,660 | $21.95 | $38,080 | $60,130 | 13,210 | $42,668 |
| Colorado | $45,500 | $21.88 | $35,820 | $84,700 | 5,210 | $44,152 |
| Oregon | $45,140 | $21.70 | $35,680 | $63,550 | 6,300 | $43,672 |
| Maryland | $44,600 | $21.44 | $35,760 | $67,510 | 8,020 | $42,493 |
| South Dakota | $44,500 | $21.39 | $30,980 | $56,370 | 1,470 | $50,234 |
| New Mexico | $44,070 | $21.19 | $32,270 | $79,560 | 2,490 | $47,792 |
| Georgia | $43,920 | $21.12 | $28,150 | $77,130 | 16,850 | $45,611 |
| Maine | $43,890 | $21.10 | $36,170 | $60,110 | 1,110 | $45,224 |
| Minnesota | $43,430 | $20.88 | $36,060 | $61,190 | 10,320 | $44,037 |
| Illinois | $40,910 | $19.67 | $36,030 | $60,890 | 22,420 | $40,927 |
| North Dakota | $39,720 | $19.10 | $25,990 | $59,560 | 540 | $44,650 |
| New Hampshire | $39,350 | $18.92 | $34,670 | $51,470 | 2,220 | $37,777 |
| Nevada | $38,870 | $18.69 | $30,100 | $64,590 | 2,360 | $38,878 |
| Louisiana | $38,020 | $18.28 | $23,700 | $59,970 | 3,570 | $43,103 |
| Virginia | $37,140 | $17.86 | $30,290 | $60,710 | 13,570 | $36,734 |
| Michigan | $37,110 | $17.84 | $30,310 | $50,720 | 10,950 | $38,569 |
| Rhode Island | $36,830 | $17.71 | $31,200 | $46,180 | 1,890 | $36,009 |
| Indiana | $36,650 | $17.62 | $28,720 | $50,920 | 7,110 | $39,270 |
| Montana | $36,540 | $17.57 | $28,370 | $49,550 | 960 | $38,607 |
| Delaware | $36,360 | $17.48 | $31,200 | $44,270 | 2,000 | $36,430 |
| Arizona | $36,300 | $17.45 | $31,760 | $47,790 | 9,400 | $36,056 |
| Mississippi | $36,250 | $17.43 | $20,980 | $53,370 | 3,600 | $41,689 |
| Wisconsin | $36,160 | $17.38 | $28,530 | $46,090 | 11,330 | $38,429 |
| Missouri | $36,090 | $17.35 | $29,030 | $54,610 | 5,580 | $39,739 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,050 | $17.33 | $29,590 | $46,460 | 22,760 | $36,947 |
| Florida | $35,860 | $17.24 | $29,550 | $46,980 | 35,740 | $34,676 |
| North Carolina | $35,710 | $17.17 | $28,700 | $47,530 | 18,370 | $37,858 |
| Ohio | $35,180 | $16.91 | $27,260 | $48,240 | 19,840 | $37,920 |
| Utah | $35,010 | $16.83 | $28,770 | $47,300 | 3,670 | $35,412 |
| South Carolina | $34,500 | $16.59 | $26,820 | $49,900 | 4,550 | $36,800 |
| Tennessee | $34,280 | $16.48 | $27,160 | $64,480 | 5,420 | $37,314 |
| Arkansas | $34,190 | $16.44 | $27,190 | $56,690 | 3,270 | $39,327 |
| Texas | $33,860 | $16.28 | $26,430 | $49,680 | 41,200 | $34,887 |
| Iowa | $33,830 | $16.26 | $27,730 | $48,390 | 5,910 | $38,547 |
| Idaho | $32,800 | $15.77 | $26,500 | $46,950 | 1,010 | $34,348 |
| West Virginia | $32,480 | $15.62 | $23,520 | $58,810 | 2,190 | $36,292 |
| Oklahoma | $31,790 | $15.28 | $23,100 | $58,130 | 7,010 | $36,190 |
| Wyoming | $29,930 | $14.39 | $23,600 | $58,880 | 1,040 | $32,290 |
| Kentucky | $29,780 | $14.32 | $23,490 | $51,760 | 8,520 | $33,031 |
| Alabama | $28,310 | $13.61 | $21,150 | $47,350 | 7,910 | $31,872 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Preschool teacher salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes preschool teacher pay: 377 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Vineland, NJ $63,340
- Albany, GA $62,680
- Atlantic City, NJ $59,320
- Brunswick, GA $58,000
- Fairbanks, AK $57,680
- Visalia, CA $56,930
- Kahului, HI $55,340
- San Francisco, CA $53,810
- Houma, LA $51,310
- San Jose, CA $51,190
Where the pay goes furthest
- Albany, GA $71,496
- Brunswick, GA $66,129
- Vineland, NJ $66,001
- Houma, LA $60,292
- Atlantic City, NJ $60,006
- Visalia, CA $57,030
- Fairbanks, AK $55,887
- Manhattan, KS $54,524
- Wichita, KS $53,875
- Lake Charles, LA $52,975
All 377 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vineland, NJ | $63,340 | 330 | $66,001 | 31% |
| Albany, GA | $62,680 | 400 | $71,496 | 21% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $59,320 | 460 | $60,006 | 41% |
| Brunswick, GA | $58,000 | 100 | $66,129 | 35% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $57,680 | 60 | $55,887 | 38% |
| Visalia, CA | $56,930 | 430 | $57,030 | 37% |
| Kahului, HI | $55,340 | 160 | $50,588 | 70% |
| San Francisco, CA | $53,810 | 10,280 | $46,543 | 77% |
| Houma, LA | $51,310 | 140 | $60,292 | 30% |
| San Jose, CA | $51,190 | 3,570 | $46,358 | 89% |
| New York, NY | $50,230 | 28,140 | $44,624 | 85% |
| Hinesville, GA | $49,690 | 150 | $52,899 | 42% |
| Modesto, CA | $49,500 | 640 | $47,547 | 50% |
| Manhattan, KS | $49,160 | 70 | $54,524 | 31% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $48,820 | 1,500 | $45,684 | 71% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $48,510 | 180 | $47,353 | 54% |
| Honolulu, HI | $48,410 | 1,070 | $43,628 | 75% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $48,130 | 630 | $44,238 | 82% |
| Merced, CA | $48,120 | 290 | $48,965 | 51% |
| Wichita, KS | $47,920 | 290 | $53,875 | 30% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $47,780 | 420 | $43,477 | 87% |
| Salinas, CA | $47,280 | 600 | $43,359 | 70% |
| Barnstable, MA | $47,190 | 270 | $47,981 | 66% |
| Lewiston, ME | $47,010 | 90 | $49,622 | 41% |
| Vallejo, CA | $46,960 | 450 | $43,289 | 63% |
| Rockford, IL | $46,730 | 380 | $50,709 | 33% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $46,710 | 620 | $43,337 | 68% |
| Burlington, VT | $46,690 | 350 | $46,251 | 67% |
| Rapid City, SD | $46,620 | 190 | $52,288 | 38% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $46,600 | 18,430 | $41,033 | 75% |
| Boulder, CO | $46,530 | 390 | $44,229 | 57% |
| Stockton, CA | $46,470 | 680 | $44,220 | 63% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $46,400 | 100 | $46,979 | 51% |
| Seattle, WA | $46,380 | 8,590 | $41,734 | 58% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $46,370 | 710 | $51,164 | 33% |
| Elmira, NY | $46,320 | 60 | $49,069 | 30% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $46,200 | 320 | $42,543 | 73% |
| Oxnard, CA | $46,120 | 1,260 | $41,725 | 77% |
| Dalton, GA | $46,090 | 150 | $51,300 | 37% |
| Boston, MA | $46,030 | 14,500 | $42,516 | 78% |
| Riverside, CA | $46,010 | 3,560 | $43,225 | 66% |
| Ithaca, NY | $45,980 | 130 | $44,504 | 52% |
| Norwich, CT | $45,960 | 360 | $45,756 | 55% |
| Topeka, KS | $45,950 | 110 | $51,734 | 33% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $45,880 | 890 | $45,477 | 48% |
| Denver, CO | $45,680 | 3,210 | $43,183 | 50% |
| Napa, CA | $45,660 | 190 | $40,567 | 76% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $45,480 | 150 | $52,975 | 36% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $45,430 | 340 | $45,320 | – |
| Portland, OR | $45,310 | 3,950 | $42,980 | 48% |
| Yuba City, CA | $45,240 | 210 | $43,403 | 54% |
| Gainesville, GA | $45,140 | 340 | $46,649 | 45% |
| Kingston, NY | $45,080 | 130 | $44,763 | 54% |
| Hanford, CA | $45,040 | 140 | $44,325 | 52% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $45,020 | 100 | $46,052 | 43% |
| Savannah, GA | $44,980 | 460 | $47,245 | 47% |
| San Diego, CA | $44,940 | 5,130 | $40,166 | 79% |
| Trenton, NJ | $44,880 | 850 | $43,497 | 67% |
| Fresno, CA | $44,740 | 1,800 | $43,795 | 55% |
| Waterbury, CT | $44,670 | 580 | $44,769 | – |
| Washington, DC | $44,660 | 11,910 | $41,016 | 65% |
| Bend, OR | $44,610 | 390 | $43,057 | 60% |
| New Haven, CT | $44,610 | 810 | $42,665 | 55% |
| Redding, CA | $44,580 | 220 | $44,277 | 44% |
| Salisbury, MD | $44,570 | 120 | $46,613 | 52% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $44,540 | 320 | $46,832 | 47% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $44,500 | 290 | $47,447 | 41% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $44,460 | 110 | $46,866 | 39% |
| Worcester, MA | $44,460 | 1,650 | $43,366 | 57% |
| Omaha, NE | $44,440 | 800 | $48,351 | 38% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $44,430 | 250 | $49,251 | 40% |
| El Centro, CA | $44,370 | 140 | $46,620 | 49% |
| Longview, WA | $44,350 | 130 | $45,466 | 38% |
| Hartford, CT | $44,300 | 1,690 | $43,116 | 54% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $44,260 | 230 | $43,766 | 53% |
| Sacramento, CA | $44,250 | 3,070 | $41,483 | 62% |
| Medford, OR | $44,200 | 220 | $43,576 | 50% |
| Kennewick, WA | $44,180 | 400 | $44,145 | 46% |
| Chico, CA | $44,080 | 300 | $43,559 | 42% |
| Salem, OR | $44,060 | 650 | $42,509 | 45% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $44,050 | 1,170 | $46,103 | 41% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $43,960 | 7,650 | $41,938 | 47% |
| Eugene, OR | $43,900 | 550 | $43,222 | 48% |
| Springfield, MA | $43,890 | 740 | $45,690 | 54% |
| Albany, NY | $43,790 | 1,000 | $43,981 | 46% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $43,510 | 190 | $43,182 | 56% |
| Bremerton, WA | $43,440 | 260 | $41,134 | 57% |
| Olympia, WA | $43,290 | 430 | $41,757 | 57% |
| Binghamton, NY | $43,080 | 200 | $46,391 | 45% |
| Chicago, IL | $43,050 | 17,180 | $41,556 | 60% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $43,030 | 880 | $39,325 | 63% |
| Rochester, MN | $42,750 | 470 | $47,071 | 45% |
| Decatur, IL | $42,740 | 130 | $48,336 | 30% |
| Greeley, CO | $42,640 | 190 | $42,565 | 47% |
| New Orleans, LA | $42,570 | 730 | $45,973 | 44% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $42,270 | 150 | $40,701 | 50% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $41,960 | 50 | $42,591 | 42% |
| Mankato, MN | $41,820 | 230 | $45,979 | 35% |
| Yakima, WA | $41,670 | 380 | $43,613 | 39% |
| Rome, GA | $41,360 | 70 | $45,873 | 37% |
| Fargo, ND | $41,170 | 280 | $45,306 | 32% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $40,850 | 400 | $40,563 | 52% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $40,710 | 140 | $47,399 | 32% |
| Corvallis, OR | $40,300 | 170 | $38,744 | 54% |
| Bozeman, MT | $40,150 | 120 | $39,167 | 66% |
| Albany, OR | $40,010 | 120 | $39,187 | 49% |
| Spokane, WA | $39,990 | 940 | $39,852 | 45% |
| Utica, NY | $39,950 | 200 | $43,106 | 43% |
| Reno, NV | $39,940 | 490 | $39,539 | 62% |
| Atlanta, GA | $39,870 | 10,630 | $39,847 | 55% |
| Bismarck, ND | $39,720 | 110 | $43,637 | 39% |
| Champaign, IL | $39,510 | 630 | $42,620 | 42% |
| Macon, GA | $39,430 | 410 | $44,540 | 37% |
| Kokomo, IN | $39,400 | 50 | $43,950 | 33% |
| Bellingham, WA | $39,350 | 290 | $38,080 | 59% |
| Portland, ME | $39,350 | 530 | $38,632 | 70% |
| Baltimore, MD | $39,280 | 4,610 | $37,593 | 59% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $39,140 | 100 | $40,995 | 53% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $39,110 | 110 | $45,129 | 35% |
| Rochester, NY | $38,890 | 1,390 | $40,078 | 47% |
| Pueblo, CO | $38,880 | 50 | $42,370 | 41% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $38,840 | 810 | $42,785 | 42% |
| Syracuse, NY | $38,800 | 730 | $40,526 | 50% |
| Bangor, ME | $38,780 | 120 | $40,183 | 47% |
| Jackson, MI | $38,570 | 130 | $42,025 | 37% |
| Naples, FL | $38,530 | 530 | $37,335 | 81% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $38,420 | 310 | $43,842 | 38% |
| Springfield, IL | $38,300 | 450 | $41,296 | 38% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $38,290 | 230 | $40,660 | 51% |
| Slidell, LA | $38,100 | 180 | $41,089 | – |
| Madison, WI | $38,090 | 1,960 | $39,152 | 56% |
| Traverse City, MI | $38,070 | 160 | $40,772 | 58% |
| Anchorage, AK | $38,040 | 300 | $36,084 | 60% |
| Kankakee, IL | $38,030 | 190 | $39,453 | 42% |
| Buffalo, NY | $37,990 | 1,460 | $39,637 | 46% |
| Duluth, MN | $37,920 | 480 | $42,718 | 42% |
| Providence, RI | $37,900 | 3,410 | $37,240 | 69% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $37,880 | 1,710 | $37,799 | 55% |
| Peoria, IL | $37,850 | 590 | $41,488 | 37% |
| Manchester, NH | $37,840 | 700 | $35,814 | 69% |
| Sioux City, IA | $37,840 | 140 | $43,769 | 41% |
| Lincoln, NE | $37,800 | 360 | $41,275 | 41% |
| Bloomington, IL | $37,720 | 310 | $40,326 | 41% |
| Muskegon, MI | $37,710 | 100 | $40,759 | 41% |
| Winchester, VA | $37,660 | 120 | $39,046 | 58% |
| Detroit, MI | $37,500 | 4,570 | $37,389 | 48% |
| Kansas City, MO | $37,400 | 1,190 | $40,414 | 49% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $37,350 | 1,530 | $39,091 | 52% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $37,250 | 280 | $37,571 | 66% |
| Farmington, NM | $37,230 | 190 | $42,448 | 45% |
| Davenport, IA | $37,200 | 580 | $41,761 | 32% |
| Billings, MT | $37,090 | 170 | $39,657 | 45% |
| Monroe, MI | $37,090 | 130 | $39,672 | 41% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $37,070 | 610 | $36,747 | 62% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $37,030 | 3,130 | $38,695 | 50% |
| St. Louis, MO | $37,020 | 3,680 | $38,932 | 46% |
| Lansing, MI | $36,990 | 590 | $38,941 | 42% |
| Watertown, NY | $36,890 | 60 | $42,069 | 49% |
| Alexandria, LA | $36,840 | 160 | $42,994 | 34% |
| Michigan City, IN | $36,840 | 50 | $40,182 | 39% |
| Augusta, GA | $36,830 | 580 | $40,075 | 48% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $36,750 | 15,260 | $35,835 | 62% |
| Columbus, IN | $36,640 | 120 | $39,397 | 45% |
| Janesville, WI | $36,610 | 280 | $39,070 | 42% |
| Durham, NC | $36,600 | 1,290 | $37,511 | 54% |
| Hammond, LA | $36,600 | 160 | $43,334 | 43% |
| Midland, MI | $36,600 | 90 | $39,817 | 45% |
| Bay City, MI | $36,570 | 70 | $39,784 | 33% |
| Elkhart, IN | $36,570 | 130 | $40,487 | 39% |
| Saginaw, MI | $36,550 | 230 | $40,213 | 35% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $36,540 | 120 | $38,867 | 44% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $36,500 | 6,880 | $35,329 | 57% |
| Charlotte, NC | $36,480 | 4,570 | $37,474 | 57% |
| Athens, GA | $36,410 | 360 | $39,007 | 59% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $36,380 | 260 | $38,359 | 42% |
| Miami, FL | $36,380 | 11,650 | $31,869 | 88% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $36,330 | 200 | $36,212 | 70% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $36,330 | 3,110 | $36,518 | 55% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $36,330 | 1,980 | $37,094 | 62% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $36,310 | 120 | $40,103 | 38% |
| Tampa, FL | $36,270 | 5,150 | $35,950 | 66% |
| Memphis, TN | $36,250 | 1,290 | $39,326 | 46% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $36,240 | 3,950 | $37,385 | 51% |
| Racine, WI | $36,230 | 250 | $37,755 | 48% |
| Austin, TX | $36,160 | 4,280 | $36,873 | 53% |
| La Crosse, WI | $36,150 | 390 | $39,392 | 45% |
| Green Bay, WI | $36,070 | 610 | $38,749 | 37% |
| Missoula, MT | $36,040 | 130 | $37,368 | 54% |
| Raleigh, NC | $36,030 | 3,780 | $36,707 | 56% |
| Jackson, TN | $35,980 | 120 | $42,071 | 46% |
| Richmond, VA | $35,980 | 2,060 | $36,768 | 57% |
| Valdosta, GA | $35,970 | 230 | $40,750 | 44% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $35,960 | 160 | $36,688 | 66% |
| North Port, FL | $35,920 | 950 | $35,072 | 70% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $35,920 | 880 | $35,918 | 63% |
| Roanoke, VA | $35,900 | 370 | $38,347 | 47% |
| Asheville, NC | $35,890 | 610 | $37,189 | 57% |
| Crestview, FL | $35,840 | 360 | $36,937 | 66% |
| Lafayette, LA | $35,820 | 300 | $41,074 | 46% |
| Allentown, PA | $35,780 | 1,420 | $35,791 | 62% |
| Charleston, SC | $35,710 | 870 | $35,370 | 68% |
| Greensboro, NC | $35,710 | 1,390 | $38,454 | 47% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $35,680 | 770 | $39,057 | 53% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $35,650 | 3,890 | $37,657 | 49% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $35,630 | 130 | $38,879 | 38% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $35,610 | 370 | $38,467 | 43% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $35,600 | 70 | $41,526 | 42% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $35,600 | 770 | $35,519 | 78% |
| Shreveport, LA | $35,590 | 280 | $41,986 | 43% |
| Orlando, FL | $35,540 | 5,120 | $35,043 | 65% |
| Lawrence, KS | $35,530 | 90 | $39,371 | 53% |
| Cleveland, OH | $35,520 | 3,750 | $37,818 | 49% |
| Lafayette, IN | $35,490 | 240 | $37,986 | 50% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $35,470 | 130 | $40,739 | 36% |
| Tucson, AZ | $35,470 | 1,410 | $36,606 | 50% |
| Monroe, LA | $35,450 | 210 | $42,406 | 40% |
| Helena, MT | $35,440 | 70 | $37,042 | 56% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $35,430 | 4,390 | $37,150 | 52% |
| Bloomington, IN | $35,400 | 160 | $37,230 | 59% |
| Columbus, OH | $35,370 | 4,890 | $37,049 | 52% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $35,340 | 130 | $35,155 | 63% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $35,320 | 200 | $35,947 | 64% |
| Evansville, IN | $35,280 | 240 | $38,546 | 37% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $35,270 | 500 | $38,008 | 39% |
| Great Falls, MT | $35,270 | 120 | $36,419 | 49% |
| Lancaster, PA | $35,240 | 560 | $35,865 | 54% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $35,230 | 840 | $34,421 | 62% |
| South Bend, IN | $35,210 | 380 | $37,918 | 43% |
| Dallas, TX | $35,190 | 11,100 | $34,135 | 57% |
| Gainesville, FL | $35,150 | 680 | $36,337 | 56% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $35,150 | 90 | $40,691 | 34% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $35,130 | 1,550 | $34,828 | 56% |
| Midland, TX | $35,100 | 180 | $36,645 | 54% |
| The Villages, FL | $35,060 | 40 | $41,042 | 59% |
| Dayton, OH | $35,050 | 1,570 | $37,813 | 45% |
| Niles, MI | $35,050 | 130 | $37,945 | 48% |
| York, PA | $35,050 | 510 | $36,510 | 47% |
| Columbus, GA | $35,030 | 460 | $39,229 | 46% |
| Sebastian, FL | $35,030 | 210 | $35,633 | 73% |
| Provo, UT | $34,950 | 750 | $35,579 | 61% |
| Yuma, AZ | $34,950 | 260 | $37,700 | 49% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $34,890 | 980 | $35,367 | 51% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $34,880 | 550 | $39,207 | 42% |
| Wilmington, NC | $34,880 | 740 | $36,174 | 60% |
| Reading, PA | $34,870 | 520 | $35,926 | 53% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $34,860 | 220 | $39,463 | 64% |
| Deltona, FL | $34,840 | 800 | $35,062 | 61% |
| Kingsport, TN | $34,810 | 200 | $40,267 | 46% |
| Lakeland, FL | $34,780 | 910 | $35,804 | 63% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $34,740 | 120 | $36,610 | 58% |
| Kenosha, WI | $34,740 | 390 | $34,356 | – |
| Lewiston, ID | $34,680 | 80 | $38,043 | 51% |
| Dover, DE | $34,620 | 190 | $35,505 | 62% |
| Greenville, SC | $34,620 | 840 | $37,122 | 54% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $34,600 | 500 | $37,829 | 52% |
| Lebanon, PA | $34,530 | 70 | $37,044 | 51% |
| Nashville, TN | $34,510 | 2,290 | $35,822 | 63% |
| Appleton, WI | $34,500 | 490 | $37,330 | 42% |
| Akron, OH | $34,490 | 1,130 | $36,939 | 45% |
| Scranton, PA | $34,490 | 810 | $36,866 | 47% |
| State College, PA | $34,440 | 190 | $35,592 | 68% |
| Ogden, UT | $34,400 | 660 | $34,280 | 57% |
| Louisville, KY | $34,360 | 2,810 | $36,917 | 47% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $34,340 | 230 | $39,988 | 43% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $34,290 | 170 | $37,859 | 45% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $34,290 | 350 | $37,660 | 52% |
| San Antonio, TX | $34,210 | 3,450 | $36,119 | 50% |
| Williamsport, PA | $34,210 | 130 | $37,044 | 38% |
| Altoona, PA | $34,180 | 160 | $38,187 | 35% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $34,180 | 910 | $37,135 | 54% |
| Little Rock, AR | $34,080 | 870 | $38,136 | 43% |
| Panama City, FL | $34,000 | 300 | $34,945 | 61% |
| Columbia, MO | $33,990 | 400 | $38,004 | 51% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $33,980 | 170 | $38,703 | 35% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $33,930 | 150 | $36,058 | 54% |
| Houston, TX | $33,860 | 11,000 | $34,331 | 58% |
| Des Moines, IA | $33,850 | 1,800 | $36,913 | 45% |
| St. George, UT | $33,810 | 110 | $34,741 | 66% |
| Beckley, WV | $33,800 | 140 | $38,249 | 37% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $33,720 | 80 | $35,354 | 49% |
| Burlington, NC | $33,680 | 240 | $36,139 | 48% |
| Sandusky, OH | $33,630 | 120 | $37,668 | 65% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $33,600 | 670 | $35,776 | 53% |
| Erie, PA | $33,580 | 430 | $36,921 | 40% |
| Toledo, OH | $33,580 | 930 | $36,718 | 45% |
| Ocala, FL | $33,520 | 380 | $35,198 | 57% |
| Pensacola, FL | $33,500 | 670 | $34,283 | 62% |
| Lima, OH | $33,480 | 130 | $37,337 | 43% |
| Springfield, OH | $33,410 | 170 | $36,924 | 43% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $33,350 | 140 | $35,238 | 48% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $33,340 | 90 | $37,359 | 46% |
| Logan, UT | $33,270 | 220 | $34,683 | 52% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $33,260 | 610 | $36,161 | 52% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $33,190 | 160 | $37,727 | 37% |
| Greenville, NC | $33,130 | 320 | $37,477 | 53% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $33,110 | 160 | $35,424 | 64% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $33,100 | 410 | $35,347 | 62% |
| Sebring, FL | $33,000 | 170 | $35,687 | 55% |
| Hickory, NC | $32,970 | 350 | $37,260 | 58% |
| Wheeling, WV | $32,700 | 110 | $37,023 | 32% |
| Boise, ID | $32,660 | 440 | $33,194 | 71% |
| Wausau, WI | $32,520 | 160 | $35,099 | 35% |
| Charleston, WV | $32,450 | 220 | $36,577 | 45% |
| Beaumont, TX | $32,270 | 460 | $35,837 | 49% |
| Tulsa, OK | $32,130 | 1,740 | $36,015 | 51% |
| Flint, MI | $31,760 | 630 | $34,138 | 39% |
| Florence, SC | $31,600 | 140 | $36,416 | 58% |
| Columbia, SC | $31,510 | 560 | $33,642 | 59% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $31,450 | 280 | $33,843 | 49% |
| Joplin, MO | $31,330 | 180 | $36,550 | 48% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $31,320 | 290 | $34,012 | 60% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $31,300 | 2,890 | $34,621 | 53% |
| Killeen, TX | $31,280 | 520 | $34,324 | 50% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $31,200 | 200 | $33,653 | 64% |
| Dubuque, IA | $31,130 | 200 | $35,647 | 41% |
| Minot, ND | $31,000 | 50 | $35,621 | 48% |
| Huntington, WV | $30,850 | 480 | $34,890 | 42% |
| Iowa City, IA | $30,720 | 470 | $33,570 | 69% |
| Muncie, IN | $30,700 | 190 | $34,828 | 41% |
| Ames, IA | $30,590 | 290 | $34,437 | 46% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $30,550 | 100 | $32,358 | 56% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $30,480 | 150 | $34,051 | 51% |
| Morgantown, WV | $30,420 | 220 | $32,596 | 53% |
| Waterloo, IA | $30,420 | 360 | $34,943 | 40% |
| Springfield, MO | $30,410 | 330 | $34,329 | 49% |
| Johnstown, PA | $30,380 | 160 | $35,355 | 35% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $30,280 | 150 | $34,404 | 50% |
| Odessa, TX | $30,250 | 170 | $32,216 | 63% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $30,070 | 350 | $33,649 | 51% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $30,060 | 60 | $32,636 | 62% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $30,050 | 240 | $33,969 | 61% |
| El Paso, TX | $30,030 | 960 | $33,399 | 61% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $29,830 | 120 | $34,655 | 41% |
| Weirton, WV | $29,790 | 80 | $33,463 | 33% |
| Amarillo, TX | $29,700 | 320 | $32,346 | 53% |
| McAllen, TX | $29,700 | 1,240 | $34,577 | 45% |
| Waco, TX | $29,660 | 290 | $32,048 | 57% |
| Canton, OH | $29,530 | 470 | $33,029 | 46% |
| Knoxville, TN | $29,500 | 520 | $31,868 | 70% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $29,490 | 450 | $31,822 | 58% |
| Longview, TX | $29,480 | 300 | $32,944 | 47% |
| Youngstown, OH | $29,450 | 710 | $33,698 | 43% |
| Tyler, TX | $29,410 | 310 | $31,913 | 54% |
| Sherman, TX | $29,390 | 140 | $31,342 | 55% |
| Johnson City, TN | $29,370 | 80 | $33,402 | 61% |
| Lexington, KY | $29,370 | 1,280 | $31,618 | 65% |
| Laredo, TX | $29,310 | 250 | $33,707 | 46% |
| Casper, WY | $29,250 | 80 | $31,174 | 59% |
| Texarkana, TX | $29,210 | 200 | $34,769 | 51% |
| Abilene, TX | $29,190 | 270 | $32,303 | 82% |
| Mobile, AL | $29,090 | 990 | $33,020 | 53% |
| Gulfport, MS | $29,070 | 430 | $32,298 | 59% |
| Brownsville, TX | $29,010 | 610 | $33,742 | 62% |
| Jackson, MS | $29,000 | 730 | $32,567 | 61% |
| College Station, TX | $28,990 | 340 | $31,874 | 62% |
| Victoria, TX | $28,950 | 70 | $32,224 | 48% |
| Lubbock, TX | $28,860 | 560 | $31,604 | 55% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $28,830 | 190 | $32,899 | 54% |
| Huntsville, AL | $28,760 | – | $30,901 | 58% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $28,630 | 330 | $32,637 | 70% |
| Mansfield, OH | $28,620 | 100 | $32,204 | 37% |
| Birmingham, AL | $28,540 | 2,070 | $31,142 | 59% |
| Montgomery, AL | $28,540 | 640 | $31,824 | 58% |
| Auburn, AL | $28,490 | 500 | $32,400 | 67% |
| Daphne, AL | $28,480 | 360 | $30,077 | 72% |
| Lawton, OK | $28,390 | 230 | $33,034 | 48% |
| Clarksville, TN | $28,320 | 320 | $31,139 | 57% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $28,290 | 200 | $29,319 | 65% |
| Cleveland, TN | $28,130 | 70 | $31,937 | 60% |
| Owensboro, KY | $28,110 | 260 | $31,723 | 53% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $28,040 | 360 | $31,094 | 52% |
| Paducah, KY | $28,010 | 240 | $32,538 | 49% |
| Enid, OK | $27,910 | 130 | $33,120 | 48% |
| Anniston, AL | $27,780 | 150 | $32,321 | 42% |
| Dothan, AL | $27,700 | 240 | $33,042 | 52% |
| Florence, AL | $27,660 | – | $32,611 | 47% |
| Gadsden, AL | $25,290 | 110 | $29,526 | 51% |
What the median preschool teacher salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $38,140 |
| Month | $3,178 |
| Every two weeks | $1,467 |
| Week | $733 |
| Hour | $18.34 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a preschool teacher: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +4.5% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 66,700 |
| Self-employed | 0.9% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary school teacher | $63,970 | Bachelor's degree |
| Middle school teacher | $64,370 | Bachelor's degree |
| Kindergarten teacher | $62,680 | Bachelor's degree |
| High school teacher | $72,040 | Bachelor's degree |
| Librarian | $68,270 | Master's degree |
| Teacher assistant | $36,780 | Some college |
| Substitute teacher | $41,670 | Bachelor's degree |
| Special education teacher | $65,120 | Bachelor's degree |
Questions about preschool teacher pay
How much does a preschool teacher make an hour?
The median is $18.34 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $13.94 and the top 10% over $29.52.
How much does a preschool teacher make a month?
About $3,178 a month before taxes at the median salary of $38,140, or $1,467 every two weeks.
What state pays preschool teachers the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $62,150. Vermont ($49,730), Hawaii ($48,780), New Jersey ($48,220) and Kansas ($47,750) follow.
Where do preschool teachers make the most after cost of living?
The District of Columbia: its median of $62,150 is worth $56,551 at typical US prices. Kansas, Nebraska and Vermont come next.
How much do entry-level preschool teachers make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of preschool teachers earn under $28,990 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $34,530, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a preschool teacher?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as an associate's degree. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 25-2011 (Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.